McCoist's men were 1-0 winners at Station Park, with Andrew Little's goal settling a tight contest but one in which Rangers maintained their 100 per cent start to the season and extended their lead at the top of division one to six points.

And the manager conceded the narrow margin was a fair reflection of the game, with Forfar subjecting his side to pressure throughout the contest.

"We had to deal with a lot of long balls, the wind and the surface were not conducive to good football but I think the fans got their money's worth," he said.

"I think we probably had better clear-cut chances but there wasn't a lot between the teams and we're pleased to get the three points.

"We have to look at our performance, big Marvin (Andrews) has been winning headers for years and probably still will be when he's 50 - we could've handled him better.

"We didn't deal with a couple of long balls properly. We move forward but we'll certainly look at the game again and see where we can do better."

Forfar are the only team to beat Rangers this season - winning 2-1 in a Scottish League Cup tie in August - and their manager Dick Campbell was pleased to run them close in the league meeting.

But he also rued the uncharacteristic defensive error that was committed in the build-up to Little's decisive strike.

"We made a stupid mistake, from a player like Darren Dods of all people, and I think the elements played a big part," he said. "We're a part-time team and took them right to the wire and that's pleasing.

"We can't defend like that and expect to get result, we played with a good work rate and any manager worth his salt wants that from his players.

"It is important we continue to work as hard as that through the rest of the season."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?